The longest running military base in US history dates back to 1776, on a site which is now a National Historical Landmark District. Today the strict discipline and tough exercise regimes of military life have given way to more leisurely pursuits. The Presidio is the place where the locals go to let off steam in the picturesque shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge.Where to start? From a championship golf course to a network of hiking trails, the accent is firmly on the great outdoors. This rugged stretch of Pacific coast brings stunning scenery right to the city’s doorstep, with over 590 hectares of countryside just a short trip from the centre. Explore the old fortifications, wander through the pine woods or take a dip in the ocean. Stroll along the shoreline at Baker Beach, then head inland to follow the hiking trails that provide plenty of fabulous panoramic viewing points.Cycling, jogging and rollerblading are popular at Crissy Field, a former army airfield and coastguard station now transformed into a sandy bay-side playground. This is also one of the best spots for an impromptu picnic with the Golden Gate Bridge as a romantic backdrop.The Crissy Field Center opened in 2001 as an environmental education centre, and some of the other buildings have been preserved as they were in the 1920s. Other reminders of the area’s military past can be found in the parade grounds at Moraga and the San Francisco National Cemetery, where more than 30,000 American military personnel and their families are buried.The Presidio is home to a variety of institutions such as the Walt Disney Family Museum and the Letterman Digital Arts Center, part of the George Lucas film empire, where the cute Yoda Fountain is an unmissable photo opportunity for die-hard Star Wars fans. The Gulf of the Farallones National Marine Sanctuary protects an area of 3,237 square kilometres off the coast of San Francisco, including the feeding grounds of many indigenous species of seabird as well as migrating grey whales and great white sharks.You can reach the Presidio easily by San Francisco Municipal (Muni) bus, Golden Gate Transit services or the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system. Travel around the park on the free PresidiGo shuttles which leave from the Transit Center opposite the park’s informative visitor centre, or hire a bike to explore the attractions at your own pace. If you must bring the car, there’s pay parking available on-site.
Presidio of San Francisco
![Presidio Military Reservation showing a bridge, rocky coastline and general coastal views](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/22000/22454-Presidio-Military-Reservation.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
Visit Presidio of San Francisco
Tours & day trips
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San Francisco Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Tour
Activity duration is 1 day
4.2 out of 5 with 1340 reviews
Free cancellation available
History & culture
See all 131 activitiesOpens in new tab![Small-Group Tour: SF, Muir Woods, Sausalito w/ Optional Alcatraz](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/671271/9e47b25d-f876-4e26-a93c-c6a0299b1363.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Small-Group Tour: SF, Muir Woods, Sausalito w/ Optional Alcatraz
Activity duration is 9 hours
4.7 out of 5 with 28 reviews
Adventure & outdoor
See all 58 activitiesOpens in new tab![San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Bike Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4528397/c301a59a-d125-4f88-a83a-d5210639e803.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
San Francisco: Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito Bike Tour
Activity duration is 3 hours
5.0 out of 5 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Holiday & seasonal tours
See all 29 activitiesOpens in new tab![San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/4535989/d3b01911-bbc5-4cf1-88a7-3cd48cc08e3b.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
San Francisco Bay Sunset Cruise by Luxury Catamaran
Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
4.6 out of 5 with 11 reviews
Free cancellation available
Attractions
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Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions
Activity duration is 1 day
4.3 out of 5 with 290 reviews
Free cancellation available
Popular places to visit
Marshall Beach
Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Marshall Beach during your trip to San Francisco?
Crissy Field
Sitting near one of the USA’s iconic structures, the Golden Gate Bridge, this relatively new attraction has a major city on one side and a beach on the other.
Walt Disney Family Museum
Discover the man behind Mickey Mouse at this interactive museum located in the heart of San Francisco’s Presidio neighborhood.
Presidio Golf Course
Enjoy a round of golf in San Francisco at Presidio Golf Course. Discover the acclaimed theatre scene and shops in this vibrant area.
Golden Gate Bridge
4.5/5(362 reviews)
Walk across one of the most photogenic bridges in the world for unrivalled views from both sides.
Presidio Tunnel Tops
Explore the great outdoors at Presidio Tunnel Tops, a lovely green space in San Francisco.
Top Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Presidio of San Francisco
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La Luna Inn, Ascend Hotel Collection
2599 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA
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Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel
1500 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco, CA
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Geary Parkway Motel
4750 Geary Blvd, Richmond District, San Francisco, CA
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The Laurel Inn, part of JdV by Hyatt
444 Presidio Ave, San Francisco, CA
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Alpha Inn & Suites
2505 Lombard Steet, San Francisco, CA
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Hotel Drisco
2901 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, CA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.